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Funchal - Madeira
The graceous stairs towards Se Cathedral.
Madeira's rugged coastline.
War MonumentEuropean Region of the Year 2004!
The European Region of the Year is an initiative which aims to increase knowledge and recognition of European regional affairs, to make new contributions to regional construction and European integration and, finally, to project the regions designated as European Region of the Year onto the European and international scene, in all their aspects, such as the social, cultural, economic and tourism aspects. The initiative has certain similarities to the European Capitals of Culture, but at regional level.
Every year, two regions are designated as European Region of the Year, regions which must belong to different countries, as is the case of the Balearic Islands (Spain) and the Republic of Karelia (Russia), European Region of the Year 2003, or Kiev (Ukraine) and Piedmont (Italy), European Region of the Year 2005. Any region of the 45 member countries of the Council of Europe may apply to be designated as European Region of the Year. The Autonomous Region of Madeira (Portugal) and the German-speaking Community (Belgium) will begin their tenure of the title European Region of the Year 2004 on 1 January, taking over from the Republic of Karelia (Russia) and the Balearic Islands (Spain).
Madeira will start its tenure as European Region of the Year with a grand fireworks display on New Year’s Eve, at midnight, to see in the New Year.
